Euphorbia clavarioides v. trincata

Lion's Spore

Video

Lion's spore is a little known South African succulent grows to form huge mounds of evergreen stems that look like a thornless cactus. A high elevation species, it is cold hardy and blooms with small bright yellow flowers in late spring. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).

Details

2-4" tall x 15-30" wide. Lion's Spore is a little-known plant that is a fantastic, cold hardy succulent from the high elevations of the Drakensberg Mountains in Lesotho and South Africa. The small, 1/2" diameter, spineless stems grow to form large, tight mounds. I was thrilled to first see this species up around 9,000 ft. on the mountain flanks surrounding Tiffindell, South Africa. Here, old, mature specimens form huge mounds more than 3' in diameter! Plant in a well-drained soil, preferably on the south or west facing slope of a berm or hillside to facilitate good drainage. Does not like to sit under snow for extended periods of time; cover with plastic or row crop cover (frost blanket) in snowy winter climates. Our Lion's Spore is propagated from stem cuttings. Good for Firescaping

Planting Guides

Tips For Growing Euphorbia (Spurge)

Euphorbia (Spurge) is a huge genus of annual, perennial and succulent species that can be found worldwide. All Spurge have milky sap that can be very irritating to eyes, nose and mouth tissue. Some species have poisonous sap. Handle with care. Rabbit and deer proof.Preferred growing conditions:

Plant in a fast draining, infertile soil with full sun. Avoid clay soils. Mulch with gravel or not at all.

Water regularly the first growing season to establish the plant. Thereafter, infrequent but deep watering is all this plant needs.

Deadheading recommended to prevent re-seeding, as some species can spread aggressively. Use gloves to protect hands from irritating sap.

Fertilize lightly in the fall with Yum Yum Mix.

Special comments

Succulent species have evergreen stems. Prune to shape in the spring if needed.

Cut back herbaceous species in late fall.

View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.

Shipping

Plant Shipping: Buy now and we will ship your order at the ideal planting time for your region. Spring-Planted Perennial and Bulb orders will ship from February 27-June 30, warmest zones first.

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Comments about High Country Gardens Euphorbia clavarioides v. trincata:

I was so disappointed when I received this plant. Soil had come unpacked and the plant was so small I had to search to even find it. Bought two other varieties that were equally tiny. What a rip. Will never order from this company again.....I have never written a review of any kind before. Be it clothing, shoes or household. That is how disappointed I am.

Comments about High Country Gardens Euphorbia clavarioides v. trincata:

I potted this plant in a larger pot when I got it and it did great all summer on my covered but very bright patio where the plant received some direct morning sun. I think I over-watered in the fall and the plant started to decline. I stopped watering but it never recovered. It is a very interesting plant and definitely worth a second try.

When you order from us, we guarantee that you will receive the hardiest plants, bulbs or seeds available, packed with care and ready to thrive in your garden. If you have followed our detailed planting and care instructions and you do not experience success, we will honor our satisfaction guarantee for up to one full year from delivery.